The Christian wisdom, therefore, does not like to give pain. Paul makes an appeal "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:1). See also Acts 24:4; 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 2:18 (gentle masters); and in particular, Philippians 4:5: "Let your forbearance be known unto all men." It means the very essence of fairness as opposed to unreasonableness (Ps. Sol. 5:14). Compare Paul's panegyric on love (1 Cor. 13).
It is also "easy to be entreated," "conciliatory" (Moffatt). The word is a common one for military discipline (4 Macc. 8:6; Jos. War ii. 20,7), though it does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. As "gentle" refers usually to one in a superior position, so this word is used mainly of one in an inferior rank (Mayor). The good soldier is the one who has learned how to execute orders. Philo employs it as the opposite of the disobedient. It is _tractabilis_, not _morosa_. The Vulgate has _suadibilis_. It is a word in common use about children, pupils, all who obey laws. If preachers were always gentle, perhaps the church members would be more docile and teachable. This wisdom from above is _suaviter in modo, fortiter in re_.
It is also "full of mercy and good fruits." This is just the reverse of the party feeling already condemned. Mercy is the active principle of compassionate love. One may note already 1:8, 27; 2:13 in contrast with 2:15. This wisdom bears good ("wholesome," Moffatt) fruits, not mere leaves (empty boasting). The plural (fruits) shows that there is variety and abundance for all. It is not satisfied with abstract virtue but wishes to bless others.
This wisdom is likewise "without variance," "unambiguous" (Moffatt). The word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament and has puzzled translators a great deal. It is rendered "without wrangling," "without judging," "without partiality," "without distinctions," "undoubted," "without feigning," "without doubtfulness," "undecided," "unhesitating," "unwavering," "single-minded." The Vulgate has _non judicans_.
Something can be said for all these renderings. The context must decide.[82] If one considers the use of the verb in James 1:6 and 2:4, probably the idea of decision is the true one here. It is wholehearted conviction, positiveness in adherence to the truth, single-minded devotion rather than the wavering indecision of false wisdom. It is Principal Forsyth's idea of "Positive Preaching" for the modern mind.